New Cross Fire Bursaries

The New Cross Fire Bursaries are offered by Goldsmiths, University of London in partnership with Lewisham Council to honor the memory of the 14 young people who died in the New Cross Fire of 18 January 1981, a suspected racially-motivated arson attack at a house party. Since 2006, the generous support of Lewisham Council has allowed Goldsmiths to offer this bursary to support Lewisham residents who otherwise may not be able to attend university. The bursary provides £4,500 in cash support, distributed across three years of undergraduate study. Up to five bursaries are awarded annually on a competitive basis. Recipients are invited to attend a reception with fellow awardees and the families of the New Cross Fire victims, and are asked to support the future promotion of the award. The selection process involves initial eligibility screening followed by review by an awarding panel consisting of representatives from Admissions, Widening Participation, and Lewisham Council, who assess applications based on both academic record and personal statements.